8 Day Tour to Pyramids, Nile cruises and Abu Simbel

After a lavish breakfast at your Cairo hotel, your expert Egyptologist guide welcomes you to embark on a day of Cairo tours, starting with the famous Giza Pyramids — the crowning glory of any classic Egypt tour. Tread through the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, preceded by a trek to the Giza Plateau, the best viewpoint for panoramic shots perfect for a photo.

After this, you can also have the option of a camel ride through the desert upon which the pyramids sit — an all-too-unforgettable Egypt travel adventure.

Continue to see the world-famous great Sphinx of Giza, dating back to the time of King Chephren, and tour the Valley Temple, which is part of the pyramid complex of Chephren.

Have a tasty lunch at one of nicely selected local restaurants.

Your second stop is the Egyptian Museum, which contains over 250,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of Pharaonic history. The jewels in the crown are the irreplaceable contents of Tutankhamun's tomb, including his golden mask, jewels, and dozens more.

End your tour at the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East. Whether you’re looking to shop for souvenirs or simply soak up the lively atmosphere with a traditional Egyptian coffee, Khan El Khalili is a must-see in all Cairo tour packages.

After the tour, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After an early morning breakfast in the one day at your Cairo hotel, your Egypt tour manager will take you to Cairo International Airport for Egypt flight departure to Aswan, Egypt's southern city known for its stunning Nile views and old temples.

Your local Egyptologist guide will meet you at arrival in Aswan, and take you around in a clean, air-conditioned car. The first among such locations is the Temple of Philae, which is a highly elegant temple in Upper Egypt. The complex of the temple, since it is a temple dedicated to goddess Isis and her husband Osiris, is internationally renowned for its columnar elegance, pylons, and statues. Due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the whole complex of the temple was relocated to the Agilkia Island in an attempt to preserve it from flooding.

Next, you’ll visit the monumental Aswan High Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats in Egypt’s modern history. Built in the 1960s under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, the dam plays a vital role in controlling Nile floods and generating hydroelectric power.

After your fascinating tour of Aswan’s top highlights, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to check in and relax.

Overnight in Aswan
Meals: Breakfast
Visits: Philae Temple, High Dam

Early morning, check out of your hotel in Aswan and prepare for one of the most breathtaking experiences of your classic Egypt tour. You are embarking on a 3-hour journey to witness the majestic Abu Simbel Temples, one of the most fabled top attractions of Upper Egypt tours. These ancient marvels reflect the strength and design supremacy of the New Kingdom.

The Sun Temple of Ramesses II, or Great Temple of Ramses II, was dedicated to the four universal gods: Ptah, Re-Hor-Akhty, Amun-Re, and Ramses II himself. Nearby is the Temple of Queen Nefertari, or Temple of Hathor, which is dedicated to both the queen and to the goddess who was the bride of the Sun God. Symbolically, these two temples unite Ramses II, Nefertari, Hathor, and the Sun God into one family of the gods.

Thanks to an extraordinary UNESCO-aided operation, these sacred temples were indeed moved to their current location to save them from the encroaching waters caused by the construction of the High Dam.

After visiting the temples, you are then brought back to your Nile Cruise in Aswan for check-in. The rest of the day is spent at leisure on board ship, where you can relax and take in the peaceful dignity of the Nile.

Overnight on board your Nile Cruise in Aswan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Abu Simbel Temples

Enjoy your breakfast on board your luxury Nile cruise vessel as it travels to Kom Ombo. The key event of the day is a stop at the Kom Ombo Temple, the twin temple dedicated in honor of two of ancient Egypt's most sanctified deities: Sobek, the Fertility God with the crocodile head, and Horus, the Sky God with the falcon head. Walk across the temple's grand halls and observe its unique reliefs and protruding sections showing Egypt's religious history in glory. Having viewed your temple, return to the cruise and take a breather. Enjoy a lunch while cruising to your next destination—Edfu.

Upon arrival to Edfu, on a guided tour to explore the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the preserved temples from Egypt. This massive and beautiful temple was made to Horus, the falcon god revered for protection and kingship. Marvel at its enormous columns, detailed inscriptions, and sacred chambers.

Back to your cruise from Temple of Edfu. Afternoon tea aboard and sail to Esna in textbook style. Sunset on the Nile River with dinner aboard and enter Egypt's timeless lands.

Overnight aboard your Nile Cruise at Esna.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Kom Ombo Temple, Temple of Edfu

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast onboard your deluxe Nile Cruise as you sail into the historical city of Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arrival, begin your unforgettable Luxor West Bank tour, starting with a visit to the remarkable Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This grand mortuary temple, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, features unique terraces, statues of Hatshepsut as a Pharaoh, and the sacred chapels of Anubis and Hathor.

Continue to the Colossi of Memnon, the towering twin statues that once guarded the grand entrance of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple. Standing tall and weathered by time, they remain an iconic symbol of Luxor.

Your last stop on the West Bank is the world-renowned Valley of the Kings, the ancient necropolis of Egypt’s New Kingdom Pharaohs. Explore the intricately decorated royal tombs carved deep into the desert rock, including those of Tutankhamun, Tuthmosis III, and other legendary kings whose burial chambers are filled with symbolism and artistry.

After this deep dive into Egypt’s Pharaonic legacy, return to your cruise ship to relax. Enjoy afternoon tea while soaking in the scenic beauty of the Nile River. End your day with a delicious dinner on board.

Overnight aboard your Nile Cruise in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

Break a sumptuous breakfast while on your Nile Cruise amidst the stunning view of the lovely Nile River landscape. Disembark from your cruise after breakfast and begin the day by exploring the marvelous Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in the world ever constructed during ancient Egypt. Although begun in the Middle Kingdom, the work continued for nearly 2,000 years with the work being added to by each pharaoh upon the next one. Walk through the stunning Hypostyle Hall where pillars rise to the sky, walk along the Avenue of the Sphinxes, and view the Sacred Lake, obelisks, chapels, and finely sculpted reliefs that speak of ancient Egypt's religious heritage.

By its side rises the nearby Luxor Temple, an imposing monument once connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Built over the course of centuries by successive pharaohs, among them Amenhotep III and Ramses II, Luxor Temple remains one of Egypt's finest symbols. Its towering colonnades, colossal statues, and extremely well-preserved reliefs are the quintessence of the glory of ancient Thebes.

Upon discovering Luxor's East Bank, return for a short flight back to Cairo from Luxor Airport. You will be met and transferred to your hotel where you can relax and indulge in your breathtaking arrival into Egypt's immortal enchantment.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast
Visits: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple

Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel and then head out to Cairo Airport for your final departure back to your home.

Meals: Breakfast.